Maybe get into black rifle, 308 options.

Kelly Timoffee said:
I am thinking of getting into the black rifle department this year.

Looking for a couple top of your head suggestions from the crowd.

Wants - .308 chambering , non restricted , prices I guess mid of the road as I am not too interested in Norinco type stuff. so lets say $1500-$2500 , I know this is low end by most standards but should be enough to get me into the game, I hope, if I need to spend more then so be it.

I may go restricted if I have to but prefer non as it opens up where I can use it.
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I would recommend trying an M305 before you write it off as undesirable. I personally feel it is the best available NR semi-auto out there currently. It offers excellent value for money, and with some low budget tweaks and hand loads they can be made into a 2 moa shooter. Stuff like a USGI synthetic stock and a decent scope mount are decent investments, that if you sold them off, you wouldn't loose your shirt.
That being said, I would also caution against throwing a pile of money at it to make it something it isn't.
I think it is a good option for someone that wants a copy of an iconic 60 year old battle rifle without spending thousands of dollars for, well, another copy.

The US manufactured M-14 clones offer up a more refined product to the M-305 for more money, but you'll pay top dollar for top of the line, or even middle of the line for that matter.

I think the Famae SG-542s that are coming into Canada are very promising, but I'm balking at the sticker of both the rifles and the mags. I'd be surprised if they can outshoot a tweaked M-305 too.

I like the idea of both the RFB and the XCR-M, but there are issues that turn me off both of those, With similar sticker prices to the Famae.

The only other semi-auto that comes close to offering value & performance for dollar to the M-305 are some of the 308 AR offerings, which range up into boutique money (but exceptional accuracy and refinement too). Prices seem to have come down and availability is increasing on this market, so this could mean more options and better pricing in the near future, but is hampered by being restricted.

If it was down to two:

M305 with some tweaks, a USGI glass stock, ARMS18, some decent optics for around $1200-1500
Or a bone stock Famae SG-542 for around $500 more than your top end budget.
 
samsplacci71 said:
RFB's are cool rifles but getting the mags to work properly is a PITA.
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Thermold or DSA mags work problem free for me

Gunslingr said:
I have only shot an RFB once but I wasn't a big fan of it and personally don't think it's worth the money.
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I took the XCR-M and RFP for a spin a few times before buying and bought the RFB because of length and accuracy over the M

Ar180shooter said:
If accuracy is your primary concern and you can live with the restricted status, you won't beat an AR-10 for the price. If you're more concerned with it being non-restricted, the XCR-M is probably the way to go. Can't say much about the FAMAE 542 as it hasn't been released yet. The RFB is really easy to handle, is short and compact, but it will also be the least accurate. There is also the FNAR, which is reportedly quite accurate, and is non-restricted at around $1500, but isn't as "tactical" as the others (except the M1A).
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AR-SPORTS said:
I wouldn't, heard they were cheap and had accuracy issues.
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I shoot 1MOA with the RFB, I could not with the XCR-M, what accuracy are you seeing from the RFB you guys are shooting?

from another thread on the RFB
Brian46 said:
Setting up the RFB for hunting, these were the last rounds of the day after the scope and gas system was dialed in:

100yds shooting 180gr factory loaded nosler partitions
(excuse the crappy cell phone pic)

11viipy.jpg
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Epoxy7 said:
When the RFB first came out I was involved in accuracy testing for it. We could get 3 round groups in 1 moa, but it opened up after 3. 1.5 was the best 5 rounds.
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My results seem to mirror those that have spent some time with the RFB
 
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Brian46 said:
Thermold or DSA mags work problem free for me

I took the XCR-M and RFP for a spin a few times before buying and bought the RFB because of length and accuracy over the M




I shoot 1MOA with the RFB, I could not with the XCR-M, what accuracy are you seeing from the RFB you guys are shooting?

from another thread on the RFB




My results seem to mirror those that have spent some time with the RFB
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10 round groups or it doesn't tell me anything of use.
 
Ar180shooter said:
10 round groups or it doesn't tell me anything of use.
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after 3 it opens up to 1.5 like I already quoted for someone who was involved in accuracy testing and is also a big promotor of the AR-10. XCR-M was 2-3 at best for me with premium ammo like the RFB

What were your groups with the RFB and ammo type to claim it is not accurate?
 
The DPMS Recon II may prove a good value for under $2,000 in a Restricted rifle. The FNAR (with pistol grip, in black and with 20" barrel) for about the same money as the Recon II would be my choice in a Non-Restricted semi-auto. .308 rifle. Then it would leave you another $500 for a scope and some basic accessories etc.
 
I'd wait for the new XCR-M to come out with the keymod rail. Also check out the Sig 716 patrol, and I would also nominate the springfield M1A without a doubt.
 
Ask this in the Main Battle rifles section for the best answer. If you haven't met Hungry, he is a straight shooter who won't sell you on un-needed stuff that may or may not work. Tons of experience shooting and wrenching on these to boot - heed this man's advice. ;)
 
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